Busy Weekend

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Busy Weekend for the Running Club

Saturday morning saw Olympic distance running legend and Sidmouth Running Club Ambassador, Jo Pavey, out supporting a local fundraising event. Newton Poppleford Primary School PTFA, assisted by Sidmouth Running Club, organised a 10km sponsored run that was started by Jo at the Sailing Club, also HQ for the Running Club, on Saturday morning. Jo Pavey gave the 21 runners a motivational talk, set them off, and then set off on her first training session of the day. Organiser Emma Finch thanked Jo, the sponsors, SRC and helpers. Runners raised £3500 towards the PTFA target of £10k.

 

 

Meanwhile further down the coast Nigel Maeer and new club member Dan Carter were out on a training run the length of a marathon. They completed their 26.2 miles in 3:45:16, and were pleased with a great time. However club runner Antony Hall was also in action on Saturday and completed 26.83 miles in a scorching 3:13:01giving an average 7.11 minute miles.

 

 

The Running Club ladies were not to be outdone. After both having chest infections which forced them to miss the 4 Trigs event cheery duo Cath Miller and Polly Walton decided they would do their own 4 Trigs race on Sunday morning and enjoyed stunning weather and amazing company. ‘What a great run!’ said Cath, ‘stunning day, especially with a little show from four deer. The only thing missing was tea and cake at the Sailing Club!’

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AGM 2018

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A Year to celebrate at Sidmouth Running Club

Sidmouth Running Club’s AGM and Trophy night took place after last Wednesday’s club run and allowed the many members who attended to reflect on a successful year for the Club.

Club Chairman, Terry Bewes, reported to members on the growing membership, the success of the Beginners and Improvers Courses, and the events and activities organised by the Club during 2017. With over 200 members and a selection of regular runs of different distances being led on and off road every week by run leaders, Terry paid tribute to the Committee, helpers and run leaders who made it all possible. The club invests in the training of its run leaders and Terry told his audience that with a growing membership, more were needed and invited members to consider taking the opportunity to be trained and to lead.

The Chairman also recorded a vote of thanks to Vice Chair Becky Robson who in 2017 resurrected the Time Trials with a record 74 members recording times on the first outing at the start of the season. Each month the time trial over the same course allowed members to track improvements in speed. Club members bid Becky a fond farewell as she has retired from the Club after 15 years of successful running and non-stop encouragement for others.

Looking forward Terry pledged that the Club would concentrate on its core strength, running. He said, ‘The beginner’s group this year showed great commitment so we will endeavour to train and encourage them to achieve even greater heights than the nonstop 3 miles they can all run now. Tim Mitchell’s work in the role off Head Coach has been inspiring and his technical and improvers courses have been very well received by those taking part.

He highlighted to members that SRC would be hosting the Woodland Relays in June. ‘These runs are for teams of 3 and the short course of 3-4km will be ideal for our beginners and will be an excellent opportunity to put the training into practice and have a fun evening’

One of the features of 2017 has been the growing strength of the group of younger female runners and Terry was pleased to tell members that Kerry Boyle will be working throughout the year towards becoming the Junior Leader, and Claire Ashby has agreed to help her taking various courses up to assistant coach level.

With exciting times ahead Club members enjoyed the presentation of an array of Trophies and Awards to runners and those who had made special contributions and achievements.

Trophy Winners:

Female runner of the year – Sarah Watkins

Male runner of the year – Danny Painter

Runners Runner – Tim Mitchell

Wooden Spoon – John Chesters

Time Trials short course – Joint winners Caroline Ball and Jenni Yeoman

Time Trials long course – Paul Wright

Reindeer Run, most improved – Debbie Marriott

Mighty Green Awards Winners 2017

Mighty Green Racing Challenge:

Winner. Steve Saunders – Houston Space City 10 miler 4696 miles

Runner up. Jo Earlam – New York Marathon 3309 miles

Mighty Green Holiday Challenge:

Winner. Sarah Watkins. – Machu Picchu, Peru. 6045 miles

Runner up. David Hedges – Athabasca Glacier, Jasper, Canada 4227 miles

Mighty Green Ultra Queen:

Carine Silver 100k Wellington Boot – 17 hours 59 minutes

Jennifer Bentley Jurassic 100k, Weymouth to Exmouth – 24hours 6 minutes

Debbie Marriot Jurassic 100k, Weymouth to Exmouth – 24hours 6 minutes

Mighty Green Strike the Pose, Vogue: Paula Farrand

Mighty Green ‘DONK’ Award: Nigel Maer

Mighty Green Recovery Award: Lynda Hawkins

New Club Marathon Record: Justin Ashby 2:41:40

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Polar Grizzly

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Grizzly Weather turns Polar

Last Sunday saw the 31st Grizzly running event turning polar as the second wave of snow hit the south west.

Race organisers at Axe Valley Running Club were contemplating a difficult decision as the weather took a turn for the worse and they were faced with the prospect of thousands of runners and a legion of voluntary marshalls being stranded in snowy conditions in remote and inaccessible parts of the East Devon countryside.

The Grizzly, which in the best of conditions can be treacherous, is a race of 20 miles that starts and finishes in Seaton and crosses beaches, streams, bogs, and cliffs. It is known nationally as an extremely tough event and is hugely popular, usually attracting 2000 runners from across the country, with entry tickets in high demand.

On Saturday with an amber weather warning in place the Grizzly Committee decided that there would be no full (20 mile) Grizzly, but that a modified Cub route (10m) would be open to all.

Back in Sidmouth there was a bit of debate amongst runners about whether to travel, and 27 runners decided that if the marshalls were going to turn out then so would they. They were not disappointed. Wrapped up against the wind and snow 1200 runners set off on the shortened race with high spirits. Not long into the race conditions deteriorated quickly so that by the time Sidmouth runners got to Branscombe the course was shortened to 9 miles

Sidmouth Running Club Chairman, Terry Bewes, said ‘What an absolutely brilliant day, a once in a life time experience. The camaraderie amongst the runners was fantastic and the marshalls were amazing, stuck out there in freezing blizzard conditions at times, handing our water, directing us on the route and being so supportive. They all had a smile on their faces for us and enjoyed asking if we wanted ice in our water!’

Sidmouth Runners delivered some good times, despite the appalling weather, with Antony Hall leading the Sidmouth team charge in 1:14:38. Jessica Raynor was Sidmouth’s first lady home in 1:23:07. John Keast and Joe Kent acted as sweepers, running the route to ensure no one got left behind or lost in the blizzard.
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First man home was David Green (1:01:06) and First lady home was Kirsteen Welch (1:13:40) who was treated to a “powerful sales pitch” before the start  from Charlotte Forrer to get her to join the Sidmouth Running club. Further encouragement from the Club Chairman and Kirsteen is the Club’s newest recruit.

The Grizzly organisers said, ‘Massive well done to all of you hardy 1200 runners who completed the Grizzly Cub today in the toughest conditions of the 31 Grizzly events.  A huge thank you to all the marshals that made today possible- you really raised the bar.’

Terry Bewes said, ‘Huge respect to race director Tony Smith for the very difficult decisions he took and all his helpers who gave us a fantastic experience. The drive home was quite an experience too. Was it worth the t-shirt? Absolutely YES.’

Results:
Antony Hall 01:14:38, Gary Anning 01:23:03, Jessica Raynor 01:23:07, Danny Painter 01:22:49, Mark Welland 01:24:55, Adrian Clode 01:27:22, Nigel Maeer 01:28:14, Charlotte Forrer 01:31:04, Jim Forrer 01:31:11, Julian Bartlett 01:31:10, Graham Sheppard 01:33:33, Els Laureys 01:47:11, David Chipping 01:47.20, Alan Colwill 01:51:01, Sasha Colwill 01:51:02, Lynda Hawkins 01:52:06, Kaylee Hawkins 01:52:05, David Wright 01:53:43, Helen Palmer 02:07:26, John Sharples 02:17:38, Greg Ward 02:17:41, Kat Hall 02:16:57, Terry Bewes 02:24:39, Suzi Rockey 02:24:39, Bethany Wells 02:30:12, Joe Kent 02:39:09, John Keast 02:39:10.

Thanks to Terry Ife and to everyone else for their photos.

Bideford 1/2M

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Talk about a swift half!

Last Sunday some of Sidmouth’s female runners headed to the north of the county, to Bideford for some half marathon competition. The race, which is organised by Bideford AA, attracted over 1200 runners onto a course which course takes in magnificent countryside alongside the River Torridge between Bideford and Great Torrington. The course is half on roads and half on the Tarka Trail, with a tunnel at one point. The race is moderately flat with one small hill section giving the opportunity for fast times which Sidmouth runners have enjoyed in previous years.

This year the Hawkins family from Sidmouth were out in force with Lynda Hawkins supported by daughters Kaylee and Jade. All three had good races, with Kaylee setting the pace to come in well under the 2 hour mark (1:53:12), with mum and sister following nearly 15 minutes later (2:07:25).

Janice Ranson, another Sidmouth Running Club stalwart, did the race as part of her training for a marathon in May. Janice said ‘I had a great time at the Bideford half in my Mighty Green. I’ve previously only done trail and fell running, so this was my first road race of any distance. I’d aimed for a time of 2:30 so was pleased to finish in 2:14:20’.

All the runners enjoyed the atmosphere and the layout of the route which allowed runners further back in the pack to see the front runners heading back. The fastest times were recorded by Shaun Anstell of Bideford AA (1:08:39) and Charnwood’s Katie Synge (1:22:20). ‘It was fun to see the front runners’ said Janice ‘and there were plenty of friendly supporters along the way and lots of lovely cake at the finish’.

Grizzly training

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Grizzly training for the tough

Every year at about this time Sidmouth Running Club members can be found getting up to all sorts of eccentric activities as they prepare for the annual challenge of ‘The Grizzly’ on Sunday 18th March. This year was no different.

The Grizzly is an epic 20 mile off road event that takes in beaches, bogs, cliffs, rivers and valleys in East Devon that has become legend in the running world. It takes a lot of grit and a lot of preparation and 17 members of Sidmouth Running Club had just that in mind when they planned a club outing for training on 4 March. They hadn’t factored in the snow that fell in abundance in the few days before the trip.

Undaunted they set off in the coach, with one group being dropped at Seaton for a 12 mile jaunt back to Sidmouth along the coast path while another group went on to Colyton and followed the East Devon Way for 14 miles back to home.

Els Laureys and Polly Walton were in the coastal group and agreed that they’d experienced four seasons in one run. ‘We ran through hail, rain, sunshine, icy rivers and muddy fields and then at Weston Trig ploughed through knee-deep snow, but we had an absolutely great time’ said Elys. ‘We danced the conga, threw some snow balls, joked around and enjoyed the scenery’. ‘We did the 12 miles’ said Polly ‘it was very leisurely for us, but a lot of fun & we had a lot of snack breaks’.

New club member John Sharples enjoyed the experience. ‘It was like being a kid again. Playing in the snow, jumping in the big puddles, sliding in the mud, flapjack, chocolate, Stanley the dog. Oh yes, and some running’.

Meanwhile Cath Miller was on the East Devon Way route under Don Cawthera’s navigational guidance. Cath said ‘it was beautiful to look at but I was not prepared for the melting icy water! I think we ran with frozen wet feet pretty much all the way’. Debbie Marriott agreed. ‘They were tough routes, but fun. The sort of fun that you enjoy after the event’.

All agreed it was a good preparation for the Grizzly and the Grizzly cub run, as it’s good to get to know the hills and it seems the weather will be quite similar on Sunday. 

Sunday Explorers

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Two great Sunday Runs

Great club outing. Coach to Seaton then 12 miles back along the Coastal Path. The coach then carried on to Colyton for 14 miles back along the East Devon Way. A day to remember.

 

4 Trigs Report

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Four Trigs Fun for Sidmouth Running Club

More photos available.

Last Sunday saw the 18th Four Trigs challenge start with over 100 runners setting off across the seafront in sunshine. The challenge is a self navigated run to each of four triangulation points circling the Sid Valley with start and finish at the Sailing Club. This year the route was clockwise, with runners checking in first at High Peak, then making their way across Mutters Moor then down through Harpford woods before climbing to the second Trig at Fire Beacon Hill. From here the trail runs inland to White Cross then drops down into Sidbury before climbing the other side of the valley to Trig 3 at Buckton Hill. From here a dip down in Harcombe is followed by a climb up to the Donkey Sanctuary and out to Trig 4 at Weston Cliff. This is the last Trig but the final leg, physically and psychologically the hardest, is still to come. The trail dips down to Weston Mouth then up to Dunscombe Cliff, down to Salcombe mouth, up to Froggie Rock and then finally down in to Sidmouth . This tough route is around 17 miles in distance and involves over 4000ft of climb, so is not for the faint hearted.

Hosted by Sidmouth Running Club and raising funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), this friendly and sociable event attracted strong contingents from local clubs Sidmouth and Axe Vale as well as runners from Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. The event was Organised by Marion and Rob Hayman who were well supported by a team of 10 marshalls on the course and 2 counting runners back in.

Jess first woman home

The first man home was James Green from Axe Vale Club in 2 hours and 13 minutes and first lady home was Jessica Raynor from Sidmouth Running Club in a spectacular 3 hours and 2 minutes. Jess’s running has gone from strength to strength powered on by her early morning training regime, designed to fit around the demands of a young family.

Sidmouth showed real strength in depth with Mark Soutar first Sidmouth man home (2h 52m), Nigel Maer chasing Jess down closely followed by Gary Anning and Julian Bartlett. Great runs from a big Sidmouth contingent including husband and wife team Charlotte and Jim Forrer came in next in under 3h 40m, and 10 minutes later Claire Ashby came in alongside Kerry Boyle (working on her marathon training), and Claudia Barry back from London to enjoy some Devon mud. The Keasts were out in force with Nick outrunning older brother John, who had to comfort himself with a better time than daughter Ellie, for now.

In the meantime Sidmouth’s social runners also delivered solid success on the day. Lynda Hawkins, accompanied by daughter Jade, came in at 4h32m time, entertaining fellow runners by carrying, Penelope Pitstop style, a lipstick, mobile phone and usefully, a charger. The Rusty Runner contingent smiled all the way round and Janice Ranson, egged on by Terry Bewes, got over her doubts after Trig 2 and saw the race through to the finish.

Marion Hayman was pleased with how the event went. ‘Weather conditions were so variable’ said Marion, ‘we had hail one moment and sun the next, and of course plenty of mud. It was a great atmosphere with plenty of marshalls and four people in the kitchen making delicious cakes for the runners. We are so pleased we raised £1,570.25 for CRY with entry fees and donations’.

Full results can be found here.

Kerry for London

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Sidmouth Runner on her way to London

Sidmouth Running Club member, Kerry Boyle, is on schedule with both her tough training programme and fund raising plans for her London Marathon challenge. Kerry, who fits training in around being a mum and working as a GP, has been gaining community support in her challenge to raise £2000 for The Institute of Cancer Research.

Kerry and her supporters have arranged a Charity Quiz and Auction on the 24th of February 2018 at the Woodlands Hotel. Kerry said, ‘we have some fantastic donations for the Auction from generous local businesses including tickets for Exeter Chiefs, a photo shoot at Willow studios, classes at Jala Flow and 4 balls at Sidmouth Golf Club. There’s a raffle too and loads of great prizes including family days out and beauty and spa treatments. I’m still collecting prizes so please contact me if you have a donation’.

Tickets for the event have almost sold out with some competitive spirit expected on the night. ‘We have two teams from the Running Club, one from the Rugby Club, some parents and teachers from the local primary schools, the WI have a team and Claremont Medical Practice in Exmouth where I work will have a team’ said Kerry, ‘it’s going to be fantastic fun watching them battle it out!’

Training for the London Marathon is also going well, despite the damp and dismal weather. Kerry will be running in Sidmouth Running Club’s ‘Four Trigs’ event this Sunday. ‘It has been tough getting out with the dark mornings and the ground being so wet and muddy, but I’ve got up to 16 miles and I’m hoping that the ‘Four Trigs’ will be a good mental and leg strengthening event’.

If you want to sponsor Kerry please visit her website https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerrypboyle or to contact her for more information or donations for her charity event https://www.facebook.com/KerryBoylerunsLondon/

 

 

Fulfords 5

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Sidmouth Four master Fulford’s Five

Last Sunday saw four members of Sidmouth Running Club turn out for the Fulfords 5 mile race at Exmouth. It was an unusual event for the Mighty Greens as it involved no mud and running shoes remaining dry from start to finish. 

The race has been run since the mid 1980’s and is hosted by Exmouth Harriers. It is billed as one of the first road races of the year for the serious runner to get out their racing shoes, but at 5 miles long, it also as an event first time runners can take part in. 

The race starts and finishes in the market square and involves two laps of the esplanade and the town centre. Although mainly flat each lap consists of a climb up from the seafront, which is as nothing in Devon terms, but seems particularly hard in such a short race with a bit of pace.

This year saw 326 runners lining up and amongst them there was the welcome sight of Colin Flood making his return after not having raced for over a year and, as ever, finishing looking as fresh as a daisy. Graham “Rocker” Sheppard was also out, taking a break from his 4 Trigs training to break in his new running shoes in readiness for next weekend’s big event. 

‘It was a great event’ said Rob Edwards, who was impressed by the organisation provided by Exmouth Harriers, ‘if you like running, but are not too keen on mud, this is a perfect way to spend an hour or so on a Sunday morning in February’.

Results for SRC: Rob Edwards 39m35s; Graham “Rocker” Sheppard 40m00s; Jo Earlam 46m07s; Colin Flood 47m09s.